Malignant solid tumors in children

1. Big picture

Malignant solid tumors in children are cancers arising from non-hematopoietic tissues, including the brain, sympathetic nervous system, kidney, retina, soft tissues, bone, liver, and germ cells.

In pediatrics, the examiner wants you to recognize clinical patterns, not just memorize tumor names:

Child with persistent unexplained mass, pain, neurologic signs, leukocoria, abdominal swelling, bone pain, or systemic symptoms
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Think malignant solid tumor
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Stabilize if emergency
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Image the primary site
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Do staging
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Biopsy when appropriate
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Refer urgently to pediatric oncology

The most important solid tumors to know for the exam:

| Tumor